Umbrella and the like frame structure



Jan. 1939.

A. E. BRANDON I f 2,144,141

UMBRELLA AND THE LIKE FRAME STRUCTURE Filed May 18, 1937 2 Sheefs-Sheet1 Illlll Illllll Ill" f/vms/vrar' MSLM Jan; 17, 1939. A. E. BRANDONUMBRELLA AND THE LIKE FRAME STRUCTURE Filed May 18, 1937 2 Sheets-Shet 2f/WE/VTUI Patented Jan. 17, 1939 s'rn'rss ATENT OFFICE UMBRELLA AND THELIKE FRAME STRUCTURE This invention relates to parasol, beach umbrella,and also portable shade or overhead covering.

Usually, when the umbrella is increased in size to an extent to become abeach umbrella or other large overhead covering, it is necessary toincrease the cross sectional area of the ribs and parts or support forthe covering as well as that of the curvature of the cover at the outerportion thereof, and also duplicate vertical supports. The umbrella orthe like becomes unnecessarily heavy and clumsy, and so, an everexisting Waste in the materials of the frame structure, and also in thefabric of the cover is evident. And it is one of the principal objectsof this invention to provide a new and novel rib or support structurefor the covering fabric, which will: 1st, retain against anyextreme sideplay; 2nd, withstand any predetermined tension pressure at their entirelength; 3rd, eliminate the usual concave underside of the cover from theextreme outer portion to a portion or distance inwardly thereof,sufliciently, whereby a sudden gush of wind will leave no damagingeffect to the umbrella or the like; 4th, change, when the umbrella orthe like is raised, the normal outer downward curvature of the cover toan appreciable extent the otherwise normal covering area over the personor persons and thus sheds the fallen water from, or spreads to anincreased distance the shade over the user or users and provides also ahigher forward vision.

A further object of this invention is to provide, in conjunction withthe ribs as set forth, a new and novel spring or stabilizer which will:lst, absorb the sudden gust of wind against the underside of the cover;2nd, radially equalize said cover, and thus prevent jerking of the stickin the hand of the user; 3rd, eliminate flexible joints now used in theupper portion of the stick, as said destructive wind force will not betransferred on the stick but rather upon the spring; 4th, shortening theusual longitudinal traveling of the runner on the stick, and thuseliminate the marring of the polished surface of the stick, sofrequently encountered, as well as afford less effort in the opening andclosing of the umbrella; 5th, retain the umbrella open and also shortenthe movement for the closing thereof; 6th, withstand the,

force of wind longitudinally and transversely in respect of the stick.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and novelsup-porting means in the form of grooves in the stick to receiveslidably the spring or stabilizer, as set forth, to further absorblongitudinally and transversely radially deflections of the cover andthus protect same for longer wear, and also further equalize the stickin the users grip.

A still further object of the invention is to provide, in conjunctionwith the ribs and spring as set forth, a new and novel slidablesupporting means: 1st, to receive the vertex of the cover, and 2nd, toafford that the deflection of any side portion of the cover will berapidly and directly transmitted to opposite side thereof, so that thecover shall stay intact and the twiddling of the stick in the hand ofthe user will be prevented or minimized.

A still further object of this invention is to provide means for thecover, whereby the umbrella may be made to any size for practicalpurposes and not necessarily increase the thickness of the membersconstituting the rib structure and also will stabilize the coveringfabric between and at the outer end of the ribs without undue strain tosaid fabric. Thus no need for increased thickness in the fabric of thecover is necessary for large overhead covering such as beach umbrella,or the like sun shades,

A still further object of this invention is to provide a frame structureupon which the tension of the fabric, which may be light and transparentor rubber composition or the like, is reduced so that the cover will notshear or become damaged, by frequent uses, at the portions necessary toproduce tension on the fabric.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an umbrella orthe like of the character described, which is adapted to any polygonalshape circumferentially at the outer border thereof, and which is alsoof few parts easily assembled and replaced, and is convenient andpractical for long use.

Other and further objects and advantages of this invention will beapparent as the description proceeds.

The accompanying drawings show, for purposes of illustrating the presentinvention, one embodiment in which the invention may take form, togetherwith modification of certain parts, it being understood that thedrawings are illustrative of the invention rather than limiting thesame. i

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a fragmental top plan View of the umbrella in open condition.

Fig. 2, a frag-mental elevational View of the umbrella in opencondition, a portion of which is shown sectional along the line 22inFig. 1 to show the parts thereof.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the umbrella in closed condition, aportion of which is shown sectionally along the same line 22 in Fig. l,and also the cover being substantially removed,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the spring element embodied in theumbrella.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view along the line 66 in Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a top plan view of the spring element shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the outer part of the top pivot member ofthe umbrella.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of another inner part of the said top pivotmember, fitting in the first said outer part and adapted to receive thecover thereat.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of another inner part of the said pivotmember, shown in Fig. 8, to protect the cover from frictionaldeflections thereof.

Fig. 11 is a. side elevational view of Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal. section along the longitudinal axis of theribs shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 13 is a transverse section along the line l3- l3 in Fig. 2, andincludes one brace member.

Fig. 14 is a modification of the ribs, when the umbrella is closed, andis according to the invention.

Fig. 15 is the same as Fig. 14 but the rib is in expanded condition aswhen the umbrella is open.

One form of the invention shown includes a central support I, providedwith one or more grooves 2, longitudinally thereof. A spring element 3about the central support is provided with interior projections 4, whichare adapted to slidably move in the respective grooves 2 and therebyprevent rotary movements of the spring element. In Fig. 7 is shown oneform of the upper end of said spring element that may be secured inanyconvenient manner to the central support I and affords flexibilityradially and transversely thereat. This spring element may beconstructed of one piece, or in two pieces, 3a (cylindrical) and 3b(conical), joined together in any convenient manner. It is obvious thatthe portion 3b facilitates flexibility transversely and also radially inaddition to longitudinally; while portion 3a is to produce an increasedtension upon the spiral portion 3b.

5 is the usual runner on the central support I and may be secured to thelower end of the spring element. This runner is provided, in addition tothe usual pivoted portion 5a, with a recess or tubular portion 5b toreceive the lower portion 3a of the spring element.

B is an upper pivot member which may be secured at the outercircumference of the upper end of the spring element and leaving thecentral portion and the spring free from the central support I, for thenecessary flexibility of the upper portion of the portion 3b of thespring element.

Pivot portion 5a of the runner and upper pivot member 6, being in theusual alignment, are adapted to receive ribs 1, pivoted in the usualmanner.

These ribs 1 may be termed forked or "split ribs as each comprises twoinner pivoted ends 8, So being on a continuous longitudinal separatingdistance to about a point 9, which is adjacent the outer end marked l0.Said inner ends adapted to spread to the normal length of the springelement 3 and so produce tension sufficiently upon the lower and upperseparated lengths of each said ribs.

Interposed between the upper and lower separated lengths is a spreaderI2, pivoted at or adjacent each end in channels i3, formed in said upperand lower separated lengths for same (see Figs. 12 and 13). The spreaderI2 is so arranged that it braces the entire rib, and also shapes thecurvature for the proper tension desired upon the cover I 4, and furtherreinforces the outer radial portion of the structure in the case of asevere and sudden gust of wind, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

The cover I4 is secured in the usual manner at the ribs except at thecrown or top, where the fabric of the cover is tightly secured betweenan inner ring 15 and outer ring I6 (see Fig. 9). The outer ring EB fitstightly in an aperture l'l provided in the upper pivot member 6 shown inFig. 8; while the inner ring I5 by its inner diameter is adapted toreceive tightly the outer circumference of a collar E8, of an escutcheonl9 illustrated in Fig. 10.

In Figs. 2 and 3, it will be noted that the collar I 8 is a distanceaway from the central support I, and at its underside free from thespring element 3. Obviously, any deflection of the cover I4 is absorbedby friction on the spring element and not transmitted to the centralsupport. The normal length of the spring element 3, for the properfunctioning of the frame structure, is sustained between two stationaryelements, disposed at one end of the central support. One being theupper element 26, secured by pin or screw 2| and cooperates at its undersurfaces with the upper surfaces of the escutcheon I9 to facilitateslidable movements thereat; the other being the lower element 22 thatstops or checks the longitudinal movement of the spring when normal.

23 is the usual catch means at the upper end of the central support, and24 the usual aperture in the runner in which the catch means 23 operateswhen the umbrella is open (see Fig. 2). This catch means is providedwith a cut 24' in the form of a hook and fitted to the lower end of theaperture 24 to prevent upward movements of the runner in the case of asevere gust of wind against the underside of the cover l4. Obviously,

to close the umbrella, the catch means is pressed in, and the runner 5shoved upward or toward the upper pivot member 6 and thereby places thecatch means in position shown in Fig. 3, whereby the frame structurewill remain closed. And to open the umbrella, the catch means is pushedinside, whereby the spring element, instantly, comes into normal and thecatch means in place in the aperture, as well as the ribs in propershape and tension as previously described.

26 is the usual means for retaining the ribs when the frame structure isclosed as well as to release said ribs when the frame work is opened.The preferred form 26 shown, for beach umbrella or the like proportion,is a metal sleeve provided with impressions 2! in threaded form, adaptedto operate in grooves 28 provided in the annular block 29, secured to orforming part of the central support.

A modified form of rib construction is shown in Figs. 14 and 15. Herethe ribs are provided with a plurality of braces or spreaders 30 betweenthe upper separated length 3! and lower 3m, and functioning the same aspreviously described. This type of ribs may be termed truss type as theyafiord a frame structure for extra large overhead coverings and also,eliminate extra heavy fabric for the cover as no excess tension on saidcover is required.

It is believed, that the foregoing conveys a clear understanding of theobjects prefaced It is obvious that the invention may be embodied inmany forms and constructions within the scope of the claims and I wishit to be understood that the particular form is but one of many forms.Various modifications and changes being possible, I do not otherwiselimit myself in any way with respect thereto.

I claim:

1. The combination, in an umbrella frame structure, a stick or centralsupport, a runner having a spiral spring element slidably mounted on thestick, forked to the free end of the ribs pivotally connected to therunner and also spiral spring element, brace members pivotally connectedon the ribs, said brace members being independent of the stick orcentral support and also of the runner whereby, when the spring isexpanded to its full length, the ribs including brace members unfold andare adapted to support an open state of the cover of the structure,means securing the cover to the frame structure including a crown plate,the crown plate being detachably connected to the spiral spring elementwhereby thecover at the upper end of the stick or central support isheld free fromthe stick or central support. 7

2. The combination,=in an umbrella or the like frame structure, acentral support having grooves longitudinally therein, a spring elementabout said central support, interior projections intermediate both endsof the spring element adapted to slidably move in said longitudinalgrooves and prevent thereby rotary movements of the spring element, arunner on the central support for regulating the movements of the springelement, and catch means on the central support combined with the runnerto prevent accidental movements of the spring element, a pivot member atthe upper end of the spring element, an aperture centrally of the pivotmember, ribs each comprising a pair of stretcher rods with inner endspivotally connected to the pivot member and runner respectively andtheir outer ends secured together, and spreaders with ends pivotallyconnected to each of said stretcher rods respectively, whereby when therunner moves away from the pivot member, tension upon the stretcher rodsis exercised substantially for the use of the cover of the structure, adouble ring member detachably secured within the aperture of the saidpivot member, said double ring member adapted to receive the vertex ofthe cover and is free from said central support whereby deflections ofthe cover are absorbed by friction on the spring element.

3. In a frame structure as described, in combination, a central support,a runner and associated pivot member on the central support, ribs eachcomprising a plurality of split longitudinal portions secured relativeto one another to form the desired length of each of said ribs and withtwo inner pivoted ends, one pivotally secured to the associated pivotmember and the other inner end to the runner, whereby upon the runnerbeing slidably moved away from the pivot member, a rib consisting ofupper and lower members integrally connected and intermediately bracedis extended with sufiicient force to stretch and support a cover.

4. In a frame structure of the character described, a central support, apair of pivot members on the central support, ribs pivotally connectedat each said pivot members, said ribs each comprising an upper and lowerlongitudinal member joined adjacent the outer end to support the coverof the structure, brace means associated with the upper and lowerlongitudinal members to radially exercise tension substantially upon theentire cover when used, spring means operative with the upper and lowerlongitudinal members of the ribs whereby when normal-the umbrella isretained open.

5. In a frame structure of the character described, a central support,split ribs each having two inner pivoted ends adapted to operate on thecentral support, pivot means to receive pivotally the inner pivoted endsseparately on the central support, a spring element connected with thepivot means normally separates the pivot means so that the split ribsexpand transversely the length of their split sections, and brace meansdisposed between and pivotally connected with the split sections of theribs so that the longitudinal- 1y split sections are separated andextended with sufiicient force to stretch and support a cover when thespring element is normal.

6. In an umbrella or the like structure, the combination of a stick, anupper pivot member movable substantially transversely of the stick andanother or lower pivot member movable lon gitudinally, a spring aboutthe stick and connecting the upper and lower pivot members and adaptedto the movements of each said pivot members respectively, ribs eachhaving a split section with two inner pivoted ends, one pivotallyconnected to the upper pivot member, and the other or second inner endpivotally connected to the lower pivot member, said inner ends adaptedto spread to the normal length of said spring whereby the umbrella isopened and sustained, associated spreader elements disposed between theparts of the split section and pivotally connected thereto to distributebending stresses through the whole length of the rib, catch means on thestick whereby the lower pivot member and also the spring is preventedfrom accidental longitudinal movement in respect of the stick.

'7. In an umbrella or the like structure, the combination of a stick, anupper and lower pivot member on the stick, an associated spring elementnormally separating the upper and lower pivot members, longitudinallysplit ribs, each said ribs having a double inner end adapted to divergeor spread in respect to the longitudinal axis of same and beingpivotally connected to said upper and lower pivot member respectively,whereby when said pivot members are adjacent to one another the doubleinner ends of each rib are substantially longitudinally together and theribs are forced against the stick and so the structure is collapsed whennot used.

8. An umbrella or the like structure comprising a stick, a spiral springcombined with upper and lower pivot members on the stick, ribs, each ribbeing split longitudinally and having a pair of inner pivoted endspivotally connected to the upper and lower pivot members respectivelyand being spread thereat correspondingly to the normal length of thespiral spring, a brace member pivotally attached by its ends to the twoparts of each rib and free from the stick and also upper and lower pivotmembers, whereby when the spiral spring is normally extended, the ribsare extended with sufiicient force to sustain the cover for use, saidribs having recesses adapted to receive said brace members whereby whenthe structure is collapsedthe brace members are within the longitudinalsections.

9. The combination in an umbrella of a central support having a pair ofpivot members, and check means to restrict the movement of the saidpivot members to a predetermined distance apart adjacent the upper endof the central sup port, longitudinally split ribs with the free ends ofthe split portion pivotally connected to the pair of pivot memberswhereby when the pair of pivot members are drawn close together the ribsultimately are forced into parallelism with the central support, saidribs each being of a plurality of longitudinally split portions attachedrelative to one another to form an upper and lower longitudinal ribportion with brace elements between the upper and lower longitudinal ribportions so that when the pivot members are at the said predetermineddistance apart the free ends are separated from each other and the braceelements produce bending stresses along the entire length of the upperand lower longitudinal rib portions for the necessary extension anddesired curvature for a cover of an open umbrella.

10. In an umbrella frame as in claim 9, a spring about the centralsupport, said spring abuts the pair of pivot members and adapted tostabilize said pivot members at the predetermined distance and also theframe structure when the umbrella is open, clamping means co-operativewith one of the said pair of pivot members and its associated checkmeans and adapted to receive detachably the vertex of the cover freefrom the central support so that, deflections of the cover are absorbedby friction on the spring, said clamping means comprising an aperture inthe associated pivot member, a pair of ring elements to clamp the fabricof the cover between and fitted tightly in the aperture, and a frictionplate between the said ring elements and said associated check means.

11. In a frame structure as described, the combination of a pole, ribsaround the pole, said ribs being split longitudinally from the inner endat the pole to adjacent the outer end and having spreaders movable withthe split section, operative means at the open end of the split sectionincluding a spring element on the pole and arranged so that when saidspring element is pressed upon or drawn shorter the split sections andalso spreaders, longitudinally, come together and are forced intoalignment with the pole, and also, when the spring element is releasedto normal condition, the split sections diverge substantially in respectto their longitudinal axis and are extended, the spreaders controllingthe spacing of the split sections to distribute bending stresses alongthe length of the rib and produce the desired curvature of the rib.

12. The combination in an umbrella of a pole having grooveslongitudinally thereof, a combined runner and spring having interiorprojections, said projections adapted to slidably move in said groovesto prevent rotary movements of the runner and spring, ribs pivotallyconnected to the pole and runner, said ribs comprising an upper andlower longitudinal member united at the outer extreme end and divergingtherefrom in respect to the longitudinal axis of the ribs when theumbrella is open, associated brace members between and pivotallyconnected to the upper and lower longitudinal members and beingindependent of the pole, runner and spring, means operative with thecatch for restricting movements of said runner whereby the umbrella isretained open or closed.

13. In a sun shade frame structure, the combination of a centre pole, acombined cylindrical and conical spring element at one end of the centrepole, cooperative means between the said spring element and centre poleto prevent accidental rotary movements of said spring element, a pair ofsleeve elements at said end of the pole coacting with and regulating thepositions of said spring element, pivot means at each of said sleeveelements to receive ribs, each of said ribs being fork shapedsubstantially when the said sleeve elements are moved away from oneanother or when the frame structure is open, and a plurality ofcooperative spreaders pivotally connected with each said ribs, saidspreaders being disposed between the forked shaped portions so that uponnormal position of the spring element, the fork shaped portions being inextension, said spreaders control the spacing of the fork shapedportions to distribute bending stresses along the length of the ribs andproduce the desired curvature for a coverfree from the centre pole,means to secure one of said sleeve elements to the pole, and catch meanscooperative with the other or second sleeve element whereby to check themovements of the spring element when the frame structure is open orclosed, and means to secure the vertex of the 7 CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,ll l ,1hl. January 17, 1959.,

ALFRED E. BRANDON. I

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numberedpatent requiring correction as follows: Page 2,second column, line 1 5, for "cut 2L1," read out 25; and that the saidLetters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the samema conform; to the record of the case inthe Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 16th day of May, A. 1). 1959.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

